GLOBAL LEADERS IN SOCCER FOR GOOD GATHER IN ATLANTA FOR HISTORIC MEETING IN MARCH 9TH-13th, 2017

13 January 2017

Experts that use soccer to tackle racism, gender inequality, violent extremism, refugee integration and more, gather for first-of-its-kind event in the USA

Between March 9th to 13th, 2017, in Atlanta, GA, international non-profit organization streetfootballworld will bring together experts with over 100 years of collective experience in using soccer to change the world.They believe in a future in which boys and girls are treated as equals both on and off the field — a future in which everyone has access to safe places to play and in which social purpose is embedded at the heart of the sports industry.

The streetfootballworld Network connects over 120 organizations in 70 countries that use the power of the world’s most popular sport to tackle urgent social issues affecting young people. Every two years, a Network Board is elected to represent the fast-growing field of ‘soccer for good,’ representing true pioneers in the field from across the world.

“The Network Board is not only the representation of the global soccer for good community but a gathering of brilliant minds and inspiring stories at the same time. In addition, it’s a meeting of individuals that share a vision and a mission to change the world through soccer, collectively, conscious of the fact that it takes a team to win a game. We are so happy to be in Atlanta in this occasion and during this specific moment where a new chapter in American soccer history and, as we believe, in soccer for good in the US will be launched.”– Jürgen Griesbeck, Founder, streetfootballworld

These inspirational leaders will come together to discuss the power of soccer to change the world – and how their experience can help the growth of the game in the USA. The landmark event coincides with an exciting time for soccer in Atlanta; the city’s new pro soccer team Atlanta United FC, backed by Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur M Blank, kicks off its inaugural season in March, having set a season ticket sales record for an MLS expansion team. Meanwhile, local streetfootballworld Network Member Soccer in the Streets recently launched the first-ever soccer pitch located within a train station – the first of its kind in the world.

“Now more than ever we need to work together to tackle the challenges facing young people in excluded and marginalized communities. streetfootballworld’s real power is in the incredible reach and experience of their network. This meeting will be a huge opportunity for those interested in what soccer can do for underserved communities here in the USA to learn from the best in the business - and also to show some of the amazing things that are going on here in the USA”. - Megan Rapinoe, USWNT and streetfootballworld Global Ambassador

NORTH AMERICA & CARIBBEAN REGIONAL MEETING

Taking place simultaneously in Atlanta will be the North America & Caribbean regional meeting between March 10 and 12th, where streetfootballworld’s Network Members from the region will convene. In all, these organisations will represent the four countries of the USA, St. Lucia, Haiti, and Mexico.